Seven’s bid to gag the media over ‘salacious’ emails in blockbuster legal row – as TV reporter accuses network of ‘hostile working environment’ on flagship Spotlight program

The Seven Network is seeking to suppress ‘lascivious’ emails included in a workplace compensation claim brought by one of its former television journalists.

Amelia Saw has filed a claim in the Federal Court against Seven, alleging that she experienced a ‘hostile work environment’ while working on the Spotlight programme.

On Friday, Seven attempted to remove parts of that claim from the publication.

The network’s lawyer Kate Eastman SC said making the document public before court-ordered mediation could affect the prospects for a resolution of the case.

The stay order would also apply to an amended statement of claim which the court heard contained ‘large slabs’ of potentially ‘lascivious communications’.

Saw filed its action under the Fair Work Act last month, claiming Seven’s flagship current affairs program created a hostile work environment for women.

Judge Nye Perram previously ordered Saw and Seven to enter mediation next month.

Ms Eastman said on Friday that Saw had “the right to be heard” but that releasing her full claim before mediation would put Seven in an “extremely difficult position” and result in “one-sided” media commentary.

Saw’s attorney Philip Boncardo opposed the ban, arguing it was an “extraordinary and unprecedented application.”

Mr Boncardo said Seven had already publicly denied that his client’s claim had merit and wanted to keep the details secret to avoid embarrassment.

After Saw launched her claim, a spokesperson for Seven said: ‘Seven Network strongly and categorically rejects Amelia Saw’s allegations as reported by the media today.’

When Judge Perram asked Mr Boncardo why Saw wanted to make its claim public, he said there was no “strategic advantage” but the suppression order was unnecessary.

Mr Boncardo said that while some of the relevant material might not be to Saw’s benefit, the network claimed it could be “degrading, humiliating and embarrassing” for Seven.

“All that’s being put out there are accusations,” Boncardo said.

‘[We are] I am confident that the public understands the distinction between a mere accusation and a statement of fact.”

Judge Perram reserved judgment.

Spotlight’s reputation was first tarnished when producer Taylor Auerbach alleged that Bruce Lehrmann was supplied with drugs and prostitutes in exchange for his exclusive interview about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.

Saw worked for Spotlight for about a year in 2022 and her claim is believed to involve several high-profile Seven journalists. Seven has yet to file a defense to her claim.

Saw’s legal action comes after a difficult year for Seven and the Spotlight programme.

Its reputation was tarnished when producer Taylor Auerbach alleged that Bruce Lehrmann was given drugs and prostitutes in exchange for giving an exclusive interview about Brittany Higgins’ rape allegations.

Spotlight’s executive producer Mark Llewellyn eventually resigned from the network, although both he and Seven denied Lehrmann’s claims.

Llewellyn allegedly did not supply the drugs or prostitutes.

More recently, veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was fired after Seven said in court that allegations of inappropriate behavior had been made against him.

Ovadia subsequently launched proceedings against Seven for wrongful dismissal, but later dropped his legal action due to the costs and ’emotional toll’ involved.

The network’s problems were compounded when ABC’s investigative Four Corners program delved into Seven’s culture.

Female employees describe it as a “toxic” and “soul-crushing” work environment.

Veteran reporter Robert Ovadia was fired after Seven said in court that allegations of inappropriate behavior had been made against him. Ovadia denied the claims

One journalist claimed she jumped in front of a moving car after being left in ‘paralyzing’ fear, while another called Seven one of the most ‘degrading’ places to work.

Former Channel Seven newsreader Sharyn Ghidella was among 150 Seven West Media employees who were made redundant in July.

She looked at the Four Corners investigation and admitted that she had seen problematic behavior during her seventeen years at the network.

“I looked into it, it was information I kind of already knew about,” she said.

Revelations from the investigation led to an apology from CEO Jeff Howard.

“If any of the issues they mention are not properly addressed, it disappoints me; we should have done better, and for that I am sorry to those affected,” he wrote.

Mr Howard said Seven’s management is reviewing workplace policies and culture on some of the issues raised at the network.

“A number of individuals who have exhibited behavior inconsistent with SWM’s values ​​have already been removed from the organization,” he wrote.

“I want to be very clear that the actions of some individuals do not reflect the values, behaviors and attitudes of the business as a whole, which is home to some of the best, hardest-working and most passionate media professionals in Australia.”